MyFarm outlet makes its debut in Putrajaya

The first direct purchase market, MyFarm Outlet at Precinct 7 here was well-received going by the number of shoppers present at the outlet's debut Tuesday.

Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek who visited the market said, as at 4 pm, the market recorded an overall sales of about RM100,000 involving 29 retailers.

"This is considered good and the sales is related to the sale price and the type of goods sold. Hopefully the outlet will help to bring down living expenses for Putrajaya residents" he told reporters after the visit.

Ahmad Shabery said the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA) would keep monitoring the MyFarm Outlet to ensure that dealers continue to offer prices at five to 20 per cent lower than the market price.

He added that the ministry was prepared to have more than 11 MyFarm Outlets nationwide, as planned earlier, to create healthy competition among traders and give more choice to the public.

"FAMA may collaborate with private operators if they can ensure the same fixed sales price and that their goods are fresh.

"The 11 (MyFarm Outlets), to be opened soon can be a model for other markets to follow. I understand that many are scrambling to do business here," he said.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, when tabling the recalibration of the 2016 Budget on Jan 28, announced the launching of MyFarm Outlets nationwide as a platform for consumers to buy daily essentials at cheaper prices.

Opened daily from 10am to 10pm, the MyFarm Outlet markets seven types of products, namely poultry, fish, meat, vegetables, fruits, agro-industrial products and frozen foodstuff.